Most Who Have Prediabetes Don’t Know It

Nov. 6, 2008 -- Although a quarter of American adults have prediabetes, most aren't aware they have it, according to the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Only 4% of Americans report having prediabetes. It is a condition marked by impaired fasting glucose (blood sugar), impaired glucose tolerance, or both. People with prediabetes are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. However, if people are aware that they have the condition and make the appropriate lifestyle changes, those changes can prevent or delay the development of diabetes.

Researchers from the CDC analyzed data from the 2006 National Health Interview Survey, which is a nationally representative survey of adults conducted through face-to-face interviews. In 2006, participants were asked for the first time about prediabetes. There were 24,275 adult participants 18 or older.

Of the 4% of people who had been told they had prediabetes, 68% had tried to lose or control weight, 55% had increased physical activity or exercise, 60% had reduced fat or calories in their diet, and 42% had done all three.

The prevalence of self-reported prediabetes increased with older age, being overweight or obese, and being female.

Though only 4% of participants reported having prediabetes, researchers believe that 26% of adults have it, a figure based on laboratory test results in the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.